The release of Godavari waters through the Polavaram Left Canal was marred by controversy on the very first day, after leakage was reported from the Tandal Aqueduct. Water was released at K.L. Puram in Payakaraopeta mandal of Anakapalli district. Soon after, reports emerged that water was gushing down like a waterfall through cracks in the aqueduct located near the Tandal Sugar Factory between Tuni and Payakaraopeta.
The incident reportedly caused concern among commuters travelling beneath the bridge, raising questions over the structural condition and construction quality of the aqueduct.
Questions Over Construction and Contracting Process
The controversy has also brought renewed attention to the contract under which the aqueduct was constructed.
In 2005, during the Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy government, works related to the Polavaram Left Canal under Package-5 were awarded to Sabir Dam Water Works. Later, in 2016, during the Chandrababu Naidu government, the works were reportedly divided into Package 5(A).
There are allegations that the works were subsequently handed over through a nomination process, without inviting fresh tenders, to an organisation associated with TDP leader Putta Sudhakar Yadav.
According to claims being raised by several people, the Tandal Aqueduct was constructed as part of the works undertaken by the organisation, with the project being completed by 2019.
Earlier Construction Projects Also Faced Criticism
The latest incident has also revived criticism over the quality of several temporary structures constructed during the 2014–19 period.
Critics have pointed to incidents involving the temporary Secretariat, High Court, the Ramileru stream aqueduct on the Polavaram Right Canal, the Malyala temporary regulator, the Purushothapatnam pipelines and the temporary aqueduct constructed across the Tammileru stream.
Some of these structures were reportedly damaged or washed away, prompting questions in the past over the quality of construction and the standards followed in executing the projects.
Against this backdrop, questions are now being raised as to whether the leakage from the Tandal Aqueduct is also an indication of possible structural or construction deficiencies.
Demand for Comprehensive Inspection
With leakage reportedly appearing on the very day Godavari waters were released through the aqueduct, demands are growing for the government to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the structure.
Officials are expected to examine whether the leakage is related to construction quality, structural defects or other technical factors. A detailed assessment could also help determine whether any repairs or safety measures are required before water flow is increased.
Focus on Other Structures Built During the Period
The Tandal Aqueduct incident has also triggered a broader debate over infrastructure projects undertaken during the previous government.
There is growing discussion over whether similar defects could emerge in other structures constructed during that period. The government’s inspection of the aqueduct and the findings that emerge from it are likely to determine whether the latest controversy remains an isolated incident or raises wider questions over the quality of earlier irrigation infrastructure.
